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Van Alstine Trans 10RB vs. Freya Schiit. Which do you prefer and why??

Looks like they're in the same league, pricewise. But how about soundwise? Anyone have any experience with these two head to head or on their own?

Thanks.

SD



shtinkydog
shtinkydog OP
731 posts
 
i should've seen that one coming...  good one!!!
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,330 posts
 
shtinkydog - 
Late arriving thoughts.  Wanted to comment about a couple of things.  Volume control does "click" as you change levels.  The sound is inherent to the stepped attenuator design.  Heard the same thing with a CJ Premier preamp.  The other item was about the remote.  It's a little plastic thing.  Doesn't look like much but "works a treat" for mute, volume, input and output.  Personally, if the design budget target is tight, I'd rather pay for essential components and not a massive metal remote that can double as a paper weight or door stop.  Anyway, just thought I'd mention a couple of things that some might find less than optimal.   
mechans
3,048 posts
 

After reading this thread and looking up the candidates, it's easy to see why Schiit products are appealing.  What I find missing though is any discussion or comparison of sound quality and character.  In my book  sound quality matters and takes precedent.

One  post remarked that the Freya was not good because it did not have the headphone section (???) that a few other Schiit models have.  It is unclear what he/she meant.  Aren't those small openings in the faceplate for phones? 

wout31
9 posts
 
The opening in the front panel on Freya is the receiver for the remote, not phones plug.
To compare you have to have both units present. That's very often a problem. So I can't make any quality sound character statement.
My compare was just on features. And YES I do like the Schiit products and even more their filosify about ridiculous HiFi pricing not related to the sound quality but only to bling bling. I love these guys and the products I own. That's why I ordered my Freya blind and recommend the brand.
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,330 posts
 
Mechans - the OP’s inquiry did allow for observations about the individual preamps (i.e., "on their own"). Not owning a Van Alstine, I was only able to provide comparison to a 6H30-based preamp that I had found very satisfactory sound-wise.  

wout31 has explained the single opening at the right end of the face of the Freya. I’ll add that along with 3 push buttons for mute, output and input selection and the volume knob, there are 9 LEDs: 1 for mute, 2 for output mode (JFET buffer mode or tube mode; none lit = passive mode), 5 for input selection (2 balanced; 3 SE), and a final LED to indicate remote control of volume. When this last is lit, the volume control knob is disabled.

wout - I hope you will be as pleased as I am with the Freya. Will be interested in hearing your thoughts about it.
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